Joe Rodon shows incredible character after what he said about draw vs Bournemouth
Joe Rodon’s sparkling early-season form has been a huge bonus for Leeds.
The Welshman was certainly not seen by many as a guaranteed regular starter when the season kicked off back in August. After all, Leeds had spent big money on signing Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw in the summer.
Yet, Rodon partnered Pascal Struijk in the season’s opener against Everton, and the pair haven’t looked back. They’ve been rock solid in every Premier League game, and Farke has absolutely no reason to drop either of them.
Rodon even got on the scoresheet against Bournemouth with a towering header from a Sean Longstaff corner.
But it’s what he said about the game afterwards that highlights what an important leader he has become in the Leeds dressing room.
Joe Rodon takes the blame for Bournemouth’s late equaliser against Leeds
Eli Kroupi scored a 93rd-minute equaliser in Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday.
The goal came from a set piece, and Leeds will have been furious for not holding on to their lead for a few more moments.
There were two players completely free at the back post when Kroupi volleyed home, which Daniel Farke must have seen as unforgivable, given the context of the game.
However, Rodon has stepped forward and accepted personal responsibility for the goal.
Speaking to Leeds Live, he said: “As an individual and defender, I look at myself first.
“Could I have adjusted the line? Could we be higher from the free kick? And when we’re in possession, could we not give it away and be more clever and smart in the dying moments of the game?”
- Read more: Paul Merson almost hurts himself reacting to incident in Leeds United draw vs Bournemouth
Leeds need more leaders like Joe Rodon in their team
If you look back at Bournemouth’s equaliser, there are other players who could easily be blamed for losing focus in the crucial moment.
Rodon isn’t worried about that. He’s willing to take personal responsibility for the team’s results, and that’s the sign of a strong leader.
It’s personal responsibility that:
- drives players to go above and beyond on the pitch,
- to run that extra mile,
- to win that tackle they have no right to win,
- to make those extra runs that can make all the difference in a sport divided by such fine margins.
If Leeds can build a team with 11 players who can boast this attitude, they would have no problem staying in the Premier League this season.
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